SINGAPORE: Even as eldercare facilities reported
more cases of families defaulting on payment, Acting Minister for
Community Development, Youth and Sports Chan Chun Sing reiterated
on June 24 that legal options should be the "last resort" for
preventing children from abandoning their parents in nursing homes,
be it here or across the Causeway.

And for those who put up their elders in nursing
homes in Malaysia, Mr Chan said he hoped they understand, among
other things, the "obligations".

"I think we are still quite traditional - we'd like
to visit our parents. But for those people who choose to do so and
if they enter a private contractual agreement with some of the
nursing homes beyond our shores, we hope they understand what is in
it for them and what are some of the obligations that they have,"
said Mr Chan.

It was reported last week that cases of families defaulting on
their payment are on the rise. For example, about half of the 110
residents at Lee Ah Mooi Old Age Home have defaulted on their
payments. Comfort Ville Home nursing care centre in Taman Johor
Jaya has also been trying to contact a Singaporean, Mr Joseph Tay,
over an alleged outstanding bill of 6,000 ringgit (S$2,400).

While some nursing homes in Singapore have set up branches in Johor
Baru to cater to Singaporeans who are looking for a more affordable
alternative, Mr Chan noted that "not many people may be
comfortable" to send their parents overseas for care even though it
might be cheaper.

The issue had been a controversial and emotive topic: In 2009,
there was a public outcry when then-Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan
commented that Singaporeans could consider living in nursing homes
in Johor where prices are lower.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a ministerial visit to
Punggol South, Mr Chan was asked whether there should be
legislation drawn up in this area following the latest news
reports.

Mr Chan said: "If we just depend on the legal instrument alone, I'm
not sure we will be able to solve all the issues at the same time
and there might be some unintended consequences as well."

Instead, working with the family to work out a sustainable
arrangement is always preferred, he added.

Pointing out that Singapore already has the Maintenance of Parents
Act, Mr Chan said some parents who face difficulties in getting
support from their children are nevertheless resistant to go the
legal route.

"Emotionally it's very difficult for them to take this step because
they already feel very bad that they are in a situation that they
are in. It has a bit to do with the culture, it has a bit to do
with face, there's always a bit of hope that maybe the children can
turn around and reconcile rather than use the legal method," he
said.